By Johnny Burrow

The AC Milan CEO has revealed the Italian side were priced out of signing the Brazilian midfielder, saying that their desired figure was "unthinkable"

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has claimed that the reason the club failed to sign Kaka was because Real Madrid asked for an unrealistic amount of money.

The Brazilian enjoyed immense success during a six-year spell at the Italian side but has struggled to leave a lasting impression in the Spanish capital, leading many to believe that there was a possibility that he would make a return to Milan.

However, Galliani has spoken out as to why the projected move failed to come to fruition.

"The story about Kaka is a closed chapter for me," he told Corriere dello Sport. "Real Madrid wanted €18 million - a figure that given his age and salary demands made a deal frankly unthinkable."

While Madrid's asking price may have been steep for a 30-year-old who has had multiple injury problems, €18m would still represent a massive loss on the €68m that los Blancos paid for the Brazil international in 2009.

The Rossoneri may have missed out on Kaka, but they signed Mario Balotelli from Manchester City for an estimated €19m in an attempt to give them more attacking options as they attempt to challenge for a Champions League place.